Community Sings Praise for HHSA's 'RAP' Unit

HHSA's Refugee Assistance Program employees, from left: Martha Alvarez, Kimberly Marbrey, Tania Sakr, Savanith Leng, Martha Bayer, Helen Tessema and Yvette Bou-Malham. Inset photo: Martha Hamilton.

The Health and Human Services Agency’s Refugee Assistance Program (RAP) recently received recognition from the African Alliance Refugees for their work on behalf of people who have relocated to San Diego County.

The RAP is located at the North Central Family Resource Center (FRC) in Kearny Mesa. The program provides ongoing services to refugees who move here, helping them obtain public assistance if they are eligible.

 “They (RAP) really work hard for all of the clients and we are very blessed to work with them,” said Gerald Womaniala of the African Alliance Refugees.

“These are people who have fled war, chaos and civil unrest, even ethnic cleansing from places like Iraq or Africa,” said Pam Smith, HHSA deputy director. “The unsung heroes these people depend on are the RAP staff.

“Each day they quietly contribute to enabling refugees to establish themselves, move beyond their many years of hardship and trauma, and strive towards embracing a new life in San Diego.”

The RAP group works closely with several county refugee organizations. RAP’s processing of CalFresh allows children born in refugee environments - where adequate diet is a challenge - to potentially catch up with their nutritional needs.

“RAP’s attention to the refugees’ need for quick approval of Medi-Cal applications makes it possible for those with chronic and rare diseases to attain affordable treatment and improve the overall health and wellness of our region,” said Smith.

“To us, ‘Live Well, San Diego!” isn’t just a motto,” said Martha Bayer, RAP supervisor. “It’s something we put into practice with our refugee services every day.”